“Presidency Hiring Faceless Mercenaries to Fabricate Fake Stories About Me” — Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sounded the alarm over what he described as a sinister attempt by the Presidency to tarnish his reputation. In a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku alleged that the Presidency has “resorted to hiring faceless mercenaries to fabricate fake stories” about him.

Atiku specifically distanced himself from one Kola Johnson, who has been issuing statements in his name. The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate clarified that he has never engaged Johnson as a media consultant, aide, or associate.

According to the statement, Johnson has been releasing press materials falsely attributed to Atiku, including claims that an Atiku-led administration would favor a single ethnic group. Atiku described these claims as disinformation designed to ridicule him in the media.

The statement emphasized that any release under Johnson’s name is fake and urged media outlets that published such stories to retract them immediately. Atiku also warned Nigerians, particularly journalists, to remain vigilant against propaganda from the Tinubu administration, which he said now includes circulating fabricated statements through compromised sources.

The former vice president stressed that authentic information from him is only issued through the Atiku Media Office, either signed by his media adviser Paul Ibe or the Special Assistant on Public Communications. Media editors are strongly advised to verify information with the office before publication.